As mentioned in my previous post (link), I have been to Costa Rica twice. It’s a little touristy for my tastes these days, but still has some things to offer. Here are 10 of my favorite “experiences” (yes, many of them involve food and beer) .
#1: Soda Doña Chica
My favorite soda in all of Costa Rica. Soda Doña Chica is located in downtown Nicoya, and absolutely delicious. The owners are amazing as well.
#2: Abandoned Water Park in La Fortuna
While running before sunrise (and sweating to absolute death) I spotted a closed down water park on the side of the main road to La Fortuna. Naturally I went through a back gate that was slightly ajar to get the photo I wanted.
#3: The Coatis (from afar)
I nearly contracted rabies and became victim of murder when a coati attacked my bag in Brazil (not at all dramatic). So imagine my surprise when this little fellows started showing up all over Costa Rica. They were cuter than ever…but still terrifying.
#4: Sketchy Cement Waterslide
We spent a night in Liberia and enjoyed playing on a very safe cemet & tile waterslide at our accommodation. To be clear, that is 1/2 a broken ladder leaning up onto the slide.
#5: Surprise Alien Restaurant
While driving to the cloud forest (Monteverde), we happened upon a SURPRISE RESTAURANT which was alien themed. We did not eat there but we got stickers. There isn’t anything else that needs to be said about it.
#6: Nosara Beach Hotel
This old hotel has been redone into a nice fancy new hotel. I did not stay here, but trekked up the wooded path from the beach in Nosara slash pretended to be a guest so I could go inside and check it out.
#7: Imperial at Local Bar
While in Liberia we went to an amazing local bar. Located up a dingy-ish stairwell, it was open air on the top (lest for some heavy metal grates. Not clear if they were to prevent people falling out or crime). Regardless, the patacones and atmosphere were stellar.
#8: Playa Carillo
Someone told me this was the best beach in Costa Rica. While I have only been to a handful of CR beaches, it was definitely my favorite. So random stanger is correct.
#10: Bar La 35
This only happened because our car overheated and we had no brakes while driving down a mountain. We had to stop in a random town to enlist help – and deal with the trauma by drinking beer after the car was fixed.
#11: Crossing the Border to Nicaragua
OK ok, I know this doesn’t count as it’s not in Costa Rica. But I am obsessed with Nicaragua, so it makes the list.